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Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry Lessons must be learnt from the Hillsborough disaster so families are supported

PUBLIC bodies must learn the lessons from Hillsborough to support bereaved families, the inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing said today.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham commissioned a review into the tragedy, where 22 people were killed by a suicide bombing at the end of a concert by pop singer Ariana Grande, to assess how prepared the city was and the response of emergency services.

More than 170 people, including the bereaved and injured, and young people who were at the concert, participated in the review.

The emergency services, NHS and local councils were also involved.

It follows claims that a breakdown in communication led to delays in sending fire crews, when an internal investigation by the Fire Brigades Union and Greater Manchester fire service was leaked in November.

In the interim report published today, Lord Bob Kerslake said a “charter for families bereaved through public tragedy” is needed to ensure public bodies put public interest above their own reputation, are open and honest under scrutiny, are held to account and do not mislead the public or media.

Mr Burnham, who supported the Hillsborough families in their fight for justice, said: “I have worked with families bereaved through public tragedy before and often what compounds their distress is a failure to get to the truth and I am determined that doesn’t happen here.”

The full report, which will also examine the role played by mainstream and social media after the attack, is due to be published in March.